Healthwatch is a series reports covering a wide variety of health-related topics,
presented during Newswatch.



Our archived segments:

Abdominal Obesity Part 1
It's the leading cause of death in Canada, Cardiovascular Disease. Diabetes affects more than two million Canadians. Do you know if you're at risk of developing heart disease or type 2 diabetes? According to a new international study called "Shape of the Nations" a lot of people don't know what the risk factors are. Well, they're known as "Cardiometabolic Risk". On that list, abdominal obesity.
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Abdominal Obesity Part 2
In Part 1 of our two-part segment called Abdominal Obesity, we told you about the dangers associated with abdominal fat. An international study called "Shape of the Nations" says carrying excess weight through your mid section can lead to heart disease and type 2 diabetes. In Part 2, we tell you what you can do to get yourself out of that danger zone.
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Active Seniors
They are the reason behind 40 per cent of early nursing home placements and the most common cause of injury for elderly people... falling. The problem is, many seniors have a fear of falling and that's why they stop being active. That lack of mobility then weakens muscles and increases the risk of falls. In this segment of Healthwatch, we meet some active seniors and discover what exercise routines they have added to their lifestyle. One further note: there is a wide variety of exercise programs out there for seniors from walking programs to yoga. For more information you can contact the Peterborough County City Health Unit by calling 743-1000 extension 318 or log onto their website at: pcchu.ca
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Acupuncture
It originated in China more than two thousand years ago and has surged in popularity over the past decade. Acupuncture has been called an ancient remedy for modern times. Typically less than ten needles are inserted into a particular region of the body. The needles are very fine...about the width of a hair, and are therefore relatively painless. During a treatment the needles are left in for about 20 minutes.
The treatment can also be used to combat addictions. Acupuncture usually works very quickly and within a few sessions you'll know if it's going to help you. Acupuncture is not currently a licensed profession so you should check out credentials....there are regulating bodies out there such as The Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute and the Acupuncture Council of Ontario. Find out more in this edition of Healthwatch.
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Almonds
They're small...but mighty. They're packed with protein and contain good fats....and there have been a lot of recent studies on them. In this edition of Healthwatch, we take a look at the health benefits of almonds.
Many of us find ourselves eating on the run these days. but are you getting the nutrients you need? Nutritionists say you want to invest in foods that are easy and pack a punch...like almonds.
Recent studies show that almonds may play an important role in the prevention of certain chronic diseases.
Under Canada's Food Guide, a serving of almonds is a quarter of a cup. it counts as a serving under the meat and meat alternatives group. the food guide suggests women have 2 servings a day...men 3.
If you're looking for more nutritional information or recipes check out the website: www.AlmondsAreIn.com
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Alzheimers Coffee Break
It's a disease that destroys brain cells and leads to memory loss: Alzheimers. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimers but researchers say there is hope on the horizon. During the month of September there is something you can do to help raise money and spread awareness about the disease. The Alzheimer Society has kicked off it's annual coffee break. During the "Alzheimer Coffee Break", a cup of coffee has a real purpose. The event gives the Alzheimer Society a chance to educate people about the disease, and to help those who may suspect it's affecting a loved one (link to video below).
There are approximately 160 hosts signed up so far to hold a coffee break during September, but there's still room for more. If you are interested in holding one, give the Alzheimer Society a call at: (705) 748-5131.
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Alzheimers Disease
It affects about forty-three hundred people in Peterborough, Haliburton and Northumberland Counties. That number is expected to double in the next 25 years. Alzheimers is a disease that destroys brain cells and leads to memory loss. For every one person who is diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease ten other people are directly affected...be it a family member, neighbour or co-worker.
January is Alzheimer Awareness Month, and to raise money and awareness for local programs and services, The Alzheimer Society will be holding it's sixth annual Walk for Memories on January 28th at Lansdowne Place.
For more information check out: www.alzheimerptbo.com or you can call 748-5131.
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Alzheimer Radio Show
January is Alzheimer Awareness Month. It's a disease that destroys brain cells and leads to memory loss. Alzheimers affects about three thousand people in Peterborough, Haliburton and Northumberland Counties. That number is expected to grow to more than eight thousand by the year 2025.
If you're looking to learn more about the disease....all you have to do is turn on your radio. Bunny and Tack Shaw take to the airwaves to share their story in the hopes of helping others. The two have been married for 56 years...but times are getting harder. Tack, a retired OPP officer, was diagnosed with alzheimers disease in 2006. Bunny says with support you can get through it.
Sandi May is the support services coordinator for the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough and Area.. She co-hosts the radio show called "Sharing Memories with Sandi and Marie". Sandi says The Alzheimer Society is there to provide support, raise awareness and to drive home the message...the earlier the better.
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The Sharing Memories radio show is on every Tuesday morning from 10 to 11:30 am on Trent Radio...that's 92.7 on the Peterborough FM dial.
If you want to share your story or if have a question you want answered you can call into the radio show at 741-4011 or send an email to: info@trentradio.ca.


Babywearing
Research has shown that the more babies are held, the less they cry and fuss. But how can you possibly hold your baby all day long? There's now a solution, and it's called "babywearing".
Baby wearing is an ancient philosophy used in cultures around the world. It's a philosophy that Tara Kilmer believes in. Two years ago Tara started educating people about babywearing. She then started The Better Baby Company and hired a fashion designer to help her develop a baby sling.
The sling can be used in 6 positions and can hold the smallest of premature babies right up to a 40 pound toddler. Tara says babies can nurse while in the sling and older children can find comfort. While Tara says there are a list of benefits to babywearing for most people it really comes down to convience.
If you are interested in learning check out the website: www.thebetterbabycompany.com or you can call toll free 1-888-577-BABY.
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Banning Smoking In Cars
It's already happened in Nova Scotia and in several states in the U.S and Australia.... banning smoking in vehicles carrying children under the age of 16. In a recent poll, 80 per cent of Ontarians said they support the idea...but it still isn't happening in this province. Now The Coalition For A Tobacco-free Peterborough is trying to change that.
The Ontario Medical Association says second hand smoke is 23 times more toxic in a vehicle than it is a house because its such a small, enclosed space. While there is concern over what that does to our lungs the big fear is over what it's doing to our children. For that reason, The Coalition For A Tobacco-free Peterborough is collecting signatures to support Bill 11. It's a private members bill that's seeking to ban smoking in vehicles in Ontario when children under the age of 16 are present. Peterborough is one of the first cities in ontario to take action by starting the petition drive.
There are several places you can go to sign the petition until Friday February 8, 2008. Peterborough locations include The Canadian Cancer Society on Lansdowne Street West, The Health Unit on Hospital Drive and at Titles Bookstore on George Street. There are also several county locations. The petition will be presented to Peterborough MPP Jeff Leal on February 13th.
For more information and for a list of locations check out the Health Unit's website at: pcchu.ca or you can telephone (705) 743-1000.
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Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic depression, affects between one and two per cent of the population...but that's just the diagnosed cases. Some stats show it may affect up to five per cent of us. People with this disorder experience alternating mood swings, from emotional highs to severe lows.
In this segment of Healthwatch, we sit down with a woman who knows all about the disorder... first hand.
Bipolar Disorder is a medical condition marked by extreme mood swings that go from feeling very, very happy or manic to deeply sad. An important piece of advice to others when it comes to mental illness is get help as soon as possible and don't give up.
You can find out more about Lynn Rae and her story by visiting her website at: www.myjourneybacktomyself.com.
You can also find out more information on depression and bipolar disorder through the Canadian Mental Health Association. The website is: www.cmha.ca or you can telephone: (416) 484-7750.
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Body Image
Obesity is said to be a huge problem in our society. But "Body Image", or the way we perceive ourselves to look, is also a growing issue. One study says fifteen per cent of women say they would give up five years of their life just to reach their weight goal.
When it comes to adults, statistics say 50 percent of men and 60 percent of women are overweight. Twenty-five percent of children are considered overweight. Dr. Carla Rice at Trent University says we hear all these stats about obesity but at the same time body image is also a growing problem. She's concerned about the impact it's having on our children.
The problem is... negative body image is leading our kids down a dangerous path. Dr. Rice says as a society, we've placed too much emphasize on how we look....that fat is something that should be shunned or overcome. Adults have a huge role to play in changing that way of thinking. One major thing we need to do is stop the teasing and harassment. Parents need to start taking the focus off weight and putting it onto promoting healthy eating and healthy activities.
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There is a local resource available if your child needs need. The Family and Youth Clinic at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre provides counselling. It also specializes in dealing with eating disorders, and it's available for children up to 18 years of age and their families.

Breast Cancer Awareness
In Ontario alone, about eighty-five hundred women will be diagnosed with it this year. Two thousand will die. We're talking about Breast Cancer. It strikes an estimated one in nine women, but those stats are changing. October is Breast Cancer Awarness Month.
Increased awareness leads to education which then leads to early detection. The key to finding the cancer early can be through mammograms and The Ontario Breast Screening Program.
There are two Ontario Breast Screening program sites in Peterborough: The Medical Centre and at the PRHC Rogers Street site. The program is free, but only open to women between the ages of 50 and 69.
Currently, there is no organized screening program for women under 50...but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take action early. The key is know your body and while there has been controversy about the effectiveness of self breast exams, they're still an important tool.
If you're looking for more information...there is a Women's Cancer Forum being held November 1st in Peterborough. It runs from 7 to 9 pm at the Knights Of Columbus Hall. It's open to everyone but space is limited. To register call 743-4132 or 1-800-419-3111. To learn more about the Ontario Breast Screening Program you can call the Health Unit at at 743-1000.
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Celebrating Aging
It's inevitable...it's something that happens to us all: Aging. For these folks, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day will be a celebration of aging. It's an event designed to recognize the positive things about getting older and to make sure that seniors know their rights.
If you have any questions about elder abuse or need to report it... you can call The Four County Crisis Line at (705) 742-7778.
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Chronic Disease Prevention
If left untreated, one chronic disease can lead to another. Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay is trying to change that. It's one of the first centres in Ontario that has teamed up with the community and brought together health professionals who work as a team. It's called The Chronic Disease Prevention and Management Clinic. The program is said to be like a one stop health care shop. Patients have access to rehab and educational programs, a hospitalist, physician specialist, pharmacist, and nuritionist. The key is to try and prevent a vicious cycle. The program is open to those with a wide range of existing chronic diseases as well as those who are at-risk (link to video below).
The clinic is open to people who live within the Ross Memorial catchment area. You don't have to have a family doctor to get in to the program...self referrals are accepted. For more information telephone: 328-6091.
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CIBC Run For The Cure
Thousands of Canadians are touched by breast cancer every year, and it is the most common cancer among Canadian women. Organizers and participants in the CIBC Run For The Cure hope to contribute to a change in that fact. We caught up with a special team training for this weekend's event.
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Colorectal Cancer
After lung cancer, it is the second leading cause of cancer death in Ontario. In 2006, more than three thousand men and women died as a result of colorectal cancer. The Canadian Cancer Society says if it's caught early, 90 per cent of cases are treatable. That's where the importance of screening comes in. Screening is so important because there aren't a lot of symptoms in the early stages. Prevention is also key.
Ontario is the first province in Canada to implement a colorectal cancer screening program. The provincial government announced the initiative in January. The Canadian Cancer Society is thrilled about the program.., saying it will definitely save many lives.
For more information check out the website: www.cancer.ca. Or call 1-888-939-3333.
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Credit Debt Stress
Are you suffering from a financial holiday hangover? Depression, stress, and anxiety can be contributed to being in debt. In this segment, we take a look at how to tackle those post-Christmas credit card bills.
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Dark Chocolate
It's one of the most popular valentine's day gifts... chocolate.
But here's something you may not know. scientific studies report that the "right kind" of chocolate can slow aging, counteract heart disease, cancer and diabetes.....and it may even help you lose weight.
It comes in many varieties, especially for valentine's day. but not all chocolate is created equal. Find out more in this edition of Healthwatch.
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Diabetes
More then two million Canadians have diabetes.
About ten percent of those cases are Type One diabetes. It typically affects Canadians under the age of forty, and they are insulin dependent. Ninety percent of the cases are Type Two. Health officials say the onset of Type Two may be prevented or delayed through healthy eating or physical activity.
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Diabetes Awareness Month
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. It's expected that by 2010, three million Canadians will be affected by the disease. In this segment of Heathwatch, we take a look at both type one and type two diabetes.
Type one diabetes is an auto immune disease...meaning your immune system attacks itself by mistake. It's cause remains a mystery, and there seems to be no rhyme or reason who gets it. Unlike type one, type two diabetes is preventable. Typically type two occurs later in life, but in recent years, more and more cases are being diagnosed in young people.
The Canadian Diabetes Association says young adults are informed about diabetes, but they don't see it as the serious, potentially life-threatening condition that it is.
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The Canadian Diabetes Association has launched a new interactive website ( www.getserious.ca ) designed to reach a younger demographic. It uses a "speed dating" concept to drive home the message about preventing type two diabetes.
For more information on type one you can check out the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's website: www.jdrf.ca.

Dirty Electricity
It's believed to affect about 35 per cent of the population but it's probably something you've never heard of before, "electrical hypersensitivity". A professor at Peterborough's Trent University has been studying something known as "dirty electricity" and the effects she believes it has on our health.
Professor Magda Havas says there are a number of things that cause dirty electricity...including computers, plasma tvs, some energy efficient lighting and dimmer switches. She says our bodies aren't designed to adjust to the spikes these devices cause.
A Canadian distributor of the filters referenced in this segment is located in Lakefield. You can find out more information at:   www.getpurepower.ca
To read more on the issue of dirty electricity visit:   www.electricalpollution.com
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Drug Awareness
They are tragedies that are 100 per cent preventable. Two out of every five teens who are killed on the road are impaired. MADD Canada is trying to change those stats. In this segment of Healthwatch, we take a look at it's new multi-media assembly show and take a look at a lesser known killer on the roads.
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Eat Smart
Keri Ferguson takes a look at a provincial program called "Eat Smart". The program is already in some area resturants and workplace cafeterias.
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Eat Smart Award
We first told you about the Eatsmart cafeteria program back in September. It was launched as a pilot program in several area schools. St. Peter's Secondary School has now become the first in Peterborough to receive the official Eatsmart designation. St. Peter's students are making healthier food choices...and now they have the hardware to prove it... an "Award of Excellence" for their new Eatsmart Cafeteria Program.
A key component to Eatsmart is offering health, nutritious food choices in the cafeteria. For example there has to be four fruit and vegetable options available at all time, and the healthy eating message is definitely catching on. Students are being taught about the importance of proper nutrition in the classroom. The hope is that it will translate into making better choices.
The Peterborough County City Health Unit is working with both the public and catholic school boards to implement the program in all of our schools.
You can find out more information about the eatsmart program by logging on to: eatmart.web.ca
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Flu Season Survival: Two Views
While there have not been any confirmed cases of influenza in Peterborough and area yet, the flu has arrived in Ontario. Every year in Canada, forty thousand people are hospitalized because of the flu and it's responsible for about two thousand deaths, usually in the elderly. In this segment of Heathwatch, we take a look at ways to make it through the dreaded flu season from two very different points of view.
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Food Safety
There are an estimated two million cases of food borne illness or food poisoning in Canada every year. Just in time for the holidays, it's time to talk about food safety. The solution to food poisoning is proper food handling especially when it comes to chicken and turkey.
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Free Nicotine Patches
Are you looking to quit smoking...but want a helping hand? The provincial government is offering eleven thousand people free nicotine patches and counselling services. All you have to do is be willing to give quitting it a try.
Participants receive six weeks worth of nicotine patches and counselling services...all free of charge. If you're looking to quit, nicotine replacement therapy is worth checking out.
To participate in the study you must be a daily smoker and 18 years of age or older. To sign up call: 1-800-350-5305.
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Healthy Lunches
Another school year is underway, but are parents sending their children back to school with the right tools for learning... namely proper nutrition? In this segment of Healthwatch, we have some tips for lunches that make the grade (link to video below).
For more lunch ideas, there are some great links on the Health Unit's website at: ww.pcchu.ca.
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Heart Month
Every year, heart disease and stroke are responsible for one in three deaths in Canada. That's why February has been designated as "Heart Month". The Heart and Stroke Foundation and countless volunteers spend the month raising money for life-saving research.
86 year old Bert Geary is on his annual trek...raising money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Bert is a volunteer canvasser, and he knows first hand how important the research is. In 2001 Bert had his own battle with heart disease, and had surgery in Toronto to implant a stent, or tube, to open up an artery. As a result of that experience, bert has made it his mission... to spread the message about how important research and education are.
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The Heart and Stroke Foundation has 770 canvassers in Peterborough city and county, but it's always looking for more, and there's also a tasty way you can help out. As part of Heart Month, a fundraising dinner is being held on February 20th at Fleming College. It's called "Savour The Flavour", and features heart smart recipes. Tickets are forty dollars per person.
For more information on that or if you want to become a volunteer, call the Heart and Stroke Foundation at (705) 749-1044.



Hypnosis
Are you looking to quit smoking, lose weight or conquer your fears and phobias? If traditional methods aren't working for you... here's something you may want to look into.... Hypnotherapy.
Bruce Lumley of The New Horizons Hypnosis Centre likens being hypnotised to watching a tv show you're really into. You're aware of things and sounds going on around you... you're just not paying attention to them.
Bruce has been practicing hypnotherapy for 6 years. Bruce says a hypnotist cannot make you do anything... he or she serves more like a guide.
The most common reason for hypnotherapy is quitting smoking followed by weight loss then confidence / self esteem issues and anxiety, fears and phobias. Clients typically go through a three session program spread over two weeks. For quitting smoking, bruce says he sees an 85 per cent success rate after a year. For weight loss he says two-thirds of clients start to go in the right direction.
A hypnotherapy session typically lasts for 20 to 45 minutes... depending on the person.
The New Horizons Hypnosis Centre is located at 354 Charlotte Street in Peterborough. Their phone number is (705) 740-2300.
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Ionic Detoxification Footbath
Do you suffer from joint pain, muscle aches, indigestion or skin problems? These are said to be just some of the signs of having high toxic levels in your body. There's an alternative health procedure out there that's designed to draw those toxins out of your body.
In this segment of Heathwatch, we take a look at the Ionic Detoxification Footbath.
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It is recommended that clients start with a series of five treatments spaced out over a three week period.
For more information about the ionic footbath...you can contact Jeff at Life Assessment Systems at (705) 749-2221 or check out the website: lifetest.ca.

Infared Sauna
It's designed to boost your immune system, detoxify your body, reduce stress and fatigue, and help you lose weight. In this segment of Healthwatch we take a look at infrared saunas.
The technology behind the infrared sauna is based on an ancient philosophy. Unlike traditional saunas, the infrared sauna does not use extreme heat. A typical session last for about half an hour and the temperature is set at about 120 degrees. The technology is used to treat a wide variety of problems: pain, fibromylgia, skin problems, migraines and even weight loss.
For more information you can check out The Life Assessment Systems website at: www.lifetest.ca or you can telephone: (705) 749-2221.
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Internal Cleanses
Do you suffer from bloating, constipation, persistent tiredness, headaches or skin problems? These symptoms may be a sign of toxic build-up in your system. In this segment of Healthwatch, we take a look at internal cleanses.
Cleansing techniques are often prescribed by holistic healers to detoxify our systems. There are many different types of cleansing programs out there.
Synergystix, a clinic in Peterborough, carries a system called body rejuvention. It's a 30 day all natural, organic cleansing program.
An internal cleanse can also involve a procedure called colon hydrotherapy. It's a gentle infusion of warm filtered water into the colon or large intestine, your body's internal waste elimination system. The average person has 5 to 8 pounds of impacted toxic matter in their colon. The treatment takes about 45 minutes, and it's designed to flush toxins and fecal debris that may have built up on the colon wall. The treatment is not for people who are pregnant or who have recently had abdominal surgery.
You can find out more information at: www.synergystix.com or by telephoning 742-8244.
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Lace Up For Life
Every day this year, ten Peterborough and area residents will be hospitalized due to heart disease. This Sunday, residents are being asked to become participants and "Lace Up For Life".
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Low Risk Drinking
'Tis the season for holiday get togethers, and often these celebrations can include alcohol. If you're planning to enjoy some christmas spirits over the holidays...there's something to keep in mind...moderation. In this segment of Healthwatch we take a look at "low-risk drinking".
There are some low risk drinking guidelines people can follow. The Centre For Addiction and Mental Health says no more than one drink and day for women, two for men.
The problem with binge drinking is that it impairs your judgement and can put your behaviour at risk, and you should also be keeping the health risks in mind.
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Here's a great recipe if you're looking for a non-alcoholic cocktail:
The Arrive Alive Sunrise
In a blender, combine 3-quarters of a cup of cranberry juice. half a cup of oj, a tablespoon of honey, one teaspoon of lemon juice and 3 or 4 ice cubes.
For more mocktail recipes check out the Health Unit's website at: pcchu.ca

Nursing Footcare
It's a body part that's often overlooked but takes a lot of abuse . . . your feet. Without the proper care, small problems can grow. In this segment of Healthwatch we explore Nursing Footcare.
Ingrown toenails, calluses, corns, dry flaky skin... they're all common foot problems Jenny Rheault sees... but she's also able to spot more serious things. Jenny says the key to treating high risk cases is proper sterlization. She specializes in treating people with compromised immune systems. Something as simple as cutting your toenails too short can lead to ingrown nails which can then lead to infection and affect more than just your feet.
For more information on nursing footcare you can call the foot fundamentals foot care clinic at 745-8362, or check out their website at: www.footfundamentals.ca.
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Osteoporosis
In Canada, one in four women over the age of fifty has Osteoporosis, at least one in eight men over fifty also has the disease. November is Osteoporosis Month, a time to raise awareness about the risk factors for osteoporosis and what you can do to prevent it.
Osteoporosis is a disease that makes your bones thin and weak.as a result your bones can break more easily. Early diagnosis is key. You want to not only maintain the bone mass you have, but also increase it if possible.
Osteoporosis Canada says there are certain risk factors you can't change, such as family history and age, but there are things you can do. And it's not just older adults who should be taking preventative measures. It's important for teens to choose a good diet and physical activity.
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For more information, you can contact the local chapter of Osteoporosis Canada at: (705) 740-2776, or check out the website: www.osteoporosis.ca, on there you'll find a 60 second risk test and more information about the disease.

Personal Trainers
It is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions... promising to lose weight and exercise more. In this segment of Healthwatch, Keri Ferguson presents some tips for sticking to your plan.
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Pumpkin Seeds
They are a sure sign of halloween... pumpkins. But they may be good for more than just carving up. It's something found inside that pumpkin that could help you overcome the fear of public speaking, and may it may even help you sleep better.
Pumpkin seeds are said to be one of the most nutritious and flavourful seeds around. They're packed with magnesium, iron, zinc and protein. But a new study says they're also packed with something that can end up affecting our mood and sleep pattern.
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Real Beauty
The goal is to reach millions of women and young girls around the world. The message: beauty comes in many shapes, sizes and ages. The Real Beauty Campaign created by Dove wants to reach five million young women before the year 2010. A local woman is sponsoring workshops to get the message out there, and to stop a dangerous trend.
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For more information on the workshops telephone (705) 932-5134 or e-mail: lifestoriestherapy@gmail.com


Reflexology
It's said to help with relaxation, enhance circulation and normalize your metabolism. Reflexology is a focused pressure technique based on the premise that when reflexes are stimulated, the body's natural electrical energy works to heal itself.
The thought is that through stimulation, the stress can be removed and your circulation enhanced, allowing your body to return to a state of healthy balance.
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For more information check out the website: footfundamentals.ca or you can call the clinic in Peterborough at (705) 745-8362.


Ride To Conquer Cancer
One in three Canadians is diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. A Peterborough woman wants to help change that statistic. She's gearing up for the first ever "Ride To Conquer Cancer" in support of Princess Margaret Hospital. The "ride" is a two day cycling journey...travelling more than 200 kilometres from Toronto to Niagara Falls.
Erin's fundraising goal is 32-hundred dollars. you can help erin in her quest by going to the website conquercancer.ca. If you type in her name you will find her personal page and you can make a donation. You can also help out by calling (416) 815-ride.
And, if you're up for the challenge...there's still time register for the ride yourself or you can sign up to volunteer your time.
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Sick Days
It's the one time your employer may actually encourage you to take the day off. A study says 76 per cent of Canadian bosses want you to stay home when you're sick. But not all of us follow that advice. Our bosses may want us to stay home, but nearly half of us have not taken a sick day in the past twelve months. So why don't we stay home? The survey says more than one third of us feel guilty when calling in sick. Health experts say we shouldn't feel guilty. On top of possibly contaminating your co-workers, you're just not as productive when you're ill. Find out more in our report, linked below.
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Smog and Health
Health Canada says close to six thousand deaths per year in major Canadian cities can be attributed to air pollution. Smog can cause damage to your heart and lungs-even when you can't see or smell it in the air around you. Smog refers to a noxious mixture of gases and particles that often appears as a haze in the air. Smog comes from contaminants such as vehicle emissions and industrial pollution. It combines with other things in the environment...creating a toxic mixture. Smog can affect everyone, but certain groups of people are at higher risk...including seniors, children and people with pre-existing lung and heart conditions. It is for this reason that it is important for everyone to alter their activities on smoggy days. Find out more by viewing this segment of Healthwatch (link to video below).
You can obtain a three day smog forecast on the Ministry of the Environment website at: airqualityontario.com. You can also find more information on smog and it's affect on our health from the Ontario Medical Association's Smog Wise information program. Their website is at: oma.org or you can call toll-free 1-800-268-7215.
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Spinal Decompression
It's described as a non-surgical and drug-free answer for neck and back pain sufferers. In this segment of Healthwatch we take a look at "Spinal Rejuvenation Therapy".
Spinal Rejuvenation Therapy has been developed over the last few years and it provides long-term results. During the therapy patients are placed on a spinal decompression table. The decompression table vibrates and can stretch either the neck or back. The patient spends about fifteen minutes on the table and controls how much stretch they can handle. Part of the therapy includes rehabilitation and strengthening exercises. Once things are back in place, the muscles eventually get stronger leading to a more permanent correction.
The treatment program at The Posture Clinic is typically spread out over thirty visits. The clinic is located at 342 Charlotte Street in Peterborough, and their telephone number is (705) 876-7349.
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Stroke Prevention
Every year there are almost fifty thousand new cases of stroke in Canada. But recognizing and responding immediately to the warning signs of a stroke can dramatically impact your survival and recovery. Find out more in this edition of Healthwatch.
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The Centre For Integrated Healing
The Centre For Integrated Healing has opened it's doors in Peterborough. It offers a combination of services for adults and children including psychotherapy and trauma counseling as well as something called healing energy work. It's a dream come true for Maureen Adair, opening a centre that takes a holistic and spiritual approach to healing.
In traditional healthcare everything is treated as separate, but Maureen believes it's very much connected...our emotions affect our physical health and vice-versa. To bring things back into balance, the centre uses various types of energy work. Energy work is a general term for modalities that are based on the idea that the human body consists of energy flows than can be stimulated.
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The Centre For Integrated Healing is planning to offer workshops in the new year. It's located at 483 George Street South on the upper floor of the Big Brothers-Big Sisters building.
For more information on what the centre has to offer call: (705) 748-2424.

The Well Baby and Breastfeeding Clinic
It can be an exciting but stressful time...becoming a new parent. Research strongly supports that moms and dads need lots of support and information when that new bundle arrives.
Locally, that support comes in the form of The Well Baby and Breastfeeding Clinic. The clinic opened it's doors in March of this year. It's a concept that's been around in Canada since the 1920's, but it's fairly new in Peterborough.
The Well Baby Clinic is free and open to all moms and dads with infants up to the age of 2. There are two community health nurses on hand to answers questions on healthy childhood development. Many new parents have a question that doesn't warrant a trip to the doctor....and that's where the clinic comes in. There's also a lactation consultant at the clinic (link to video below).
The Well Baby and Breastfeeding Clinic is located at the Peterborough Family Resource Centre at 201 Antrim Street. It operates every Thursday morning 10am until noon and Thursday afternoons from 2 to 3. It's free and you're asked just to drop in.
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Think Twice
October is Child Abuse Prevention Month across the province. To recognize that, the Peterborough County City Health Unit has launched a purple ribbon campaign called "Think Twice" to focus on children and discipline.
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Travel Safety
It's march break, and given the weather we've been having lately many people have already hopped on planes and headed south. A recent survey showed one-third of Canadians spend two to three thousand dollars per person on a vacation. So to protect that investment and your well-earned vacation, for those still thinking of travelling, there are steps you need to take to ensure you have a safe and healthy trip.
There are health dangers lurking in that tropical paradise....food and water bourne diseases. The key to not getting sick is taking the proper precautions. There are serious diseases you can pick up through contaminated food and water...namely hepatitis a and thyphoid. That's why getting immunized before your trip is so important. But keep in mind, most vaccines take about 2 weeks to take affect.
It's also important to do your research about where you're going. One thing that is common to most destinations....traveller's diarreha. it affects 50 percent of travellers...if not more.
Currently, there's a travel advisory for malaria in the Dominican Republic. The disease is carried by mosquitos, but there is medication you can take to avoid being infected.
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For more information you can contact the Travel Clinic, it's located at the Peterborough County City Health Unit on Hospital Drive. It's open tuesday to thursday by appointment only. The clinic is extremely busy so you're advised to call at least a few months ahead of your trip. Their phone number is (705) 743-1000.

Vitamin D
It's called "the sunshine vitamin". Now, new studies suggest that adding vitamin D to your life can help prevent certain forms of cancer, including breast, colon, and prostate cancer. How do you get that vitamin D, and how much do you need? In this segment of Healthwatch we search out those answers.
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Walk To Cure Diabetes
More than forty-five thousand Canadians will lace up for the annual "Walk To Cure Diabetes" event. The walk raises money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. It's mission: to find a cure for diabetes.
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WALK-tober
If you start now, going for a daily walk could become habit by the end of the month. Experts say it takes four to six weeks to create a behaviour change you are likely to stick to. That's one of the keys to WALK-tober, a walking campaign launched by the Peterborough County City Health Unit.
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Water Quality
It's a popular way to cool off on these hot, humid days of summer, but there is something you should keep in mind when you head to the beach: water quality. In this segment of Healthwatch, we take a look at what's being done to keep our beaches safe (link to video below).
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Weedless Wednesday
It's the leading cause of death in Canada. Tobacco use kills more than forty-seven thousand Canadians every year. Cigarettes contain four thousand chemicals, fifty of which cause cancer. One in five adults smoke and eighteen per cent of youth are lighting up. Find out more in this edition of Healthwatch.
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Youth Action Alliance Anti-smoking
Tobacco use kills 16-thousand people in our province each year. In this segment, we meet a group of students who are hoping to change the stats. They're a youth driven alliance that educates their peers on tobacco-related issues and what they call the deceptive marketing practice of the tobacco industry. They say the Canadian tobacco industry spends 300 million dollars every year on marketing that targets youth.
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If you want to contact Newswatch:
Telephone: 705 742-8712
Cellular: Bell Mobility *111
Fax: 705 742-2930
E-Mail: newswatch@chextv.com
Postal: 743 Monaghan Road,
Peterborough, Ontario K9J 5K2





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